Confident Oilers Believe Their Balanced Lineup Holds the Key to Eliminating Defending Champion Golden Knights in Crucial Game 5 Battle

The Edmonton Oilers are brimming with confidence as they prepare for a potentially decisive Game 5 against the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday night at T-Mobile Arena. After a gritty and disciplined performance in Game 4 that evened the second-round series at two games apiece, the Oilers believe they have finally found the right combination of players, chemistry, and strategy to eliminate the reigning Stanley Cup champions and take a step closer to ending their own long title drought.

While much of the spotlight continues to fall on superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, it’s the Oilers’ balanced attack and renewed defensive commitment that has made the difference in the past two games. Head coach Kris Knoblauch, who took over midseason and has since steadied the ship, spoke candidly about the lineup tweaks and system refinements that have helped Edmonton turn the tide.

“We believe we’ve found a rhythm and identity that gives us the best chance to win,” Knoblauch said after practice Tuesday. “When we’re rolling four lines, getting contributions up and down the lineup, and staying disciplined in our structure, we’re a tough team to beat.”

The statistics back up his claim. Over the last two games, the Oilers have outscored Vegas 8-3, limited the Golden Knights to just 47 combined shots on goal, and have finally started to win the special teams battle—a crucial edge in any postseason series. McDavid has remained dynamic, Draisaitl continues to be a menace, and Zach Hyman’s relentless forecheck has been a catalyst. But it’s the emergence of depth players like Ryan McLeod, Warren Foegele, and Mattias Janmark that’s given Edmonton an additional gear.

“We know what our top guys are capable of,” said Foegele. “But when the third and fourth lines can chip in, keep pressure on their D, and not just kill time but create chances, we wear teams down. That’s been the difference lately.”

Perhaps the biggest surprise—and arguably the most pivotal shift in the series—has come on the blue line. Evan Bouchard has continued his breakout postseason with poise and production, but it’s been the pairing of Mattias Ekholm and Vincent Desharnais that has stood out. Ekholm, acquired in a midseason trade from Nashville, has brought a calming veteran presence and physicality that the Oilers sorely needed. Desharnais, a towering 6-foot-6 defender, has been instrumental in neutralizing Vegas’ size and offensive zone cycle game.

“We’re not letting them dictate pace or get too comfortable,” said Ekholm. “You have to play smart and take away time and space. If we do that and keep things simple, we’ll give ourselves a chance every night.”

The Golden Knights, meanwhile, find themselves in unfamiliar territory. Last year’s championship run was defined by their depth, relentless pace, and ability to win close games. This time around, injuries and inconsistency have hampered them. Captain Mark Stone is playing through a known back issue, while Chandler Stephenson and William Karlsson have struggled to find space against Edmonton’s tighter checking.

Vegas head coach Bruce Cassidy acknowledged that his group needs to get back to its identity in order to push the series back to Edmonton for Game 6.

“We’ve gotten away from some of the things that made us successful earlier,” Cassidy said. “We’re not managing the puck well enough in transition, and we’re not generating second-chance opportunities. Against a team with that much firepower, you can’t give them odd-man rushes and expect to survive.”

Despite the momentum swing, the Oilers are not taking anything for granted. McDavid, the captain and emotional heartbeat of the team, stressed the importance of preparation and poise heading into what could be a series-clinching game in one of the NHL’s most raucous arenas.

“We have a lot of respect for Vegas—they’ve been there, done that, and they won’t go away quietly,” McDavid said. “But we’re focused on our game. We’re excited for the opportunity. We know what’s at stake, and we know what we’re capable of.”

That measured tone has become a hallmark of the Oilers’ evolution. For years, Edmonton was labeled as top-heavy, too reliant on McDavid and Draisaitl, and unable to string together consistent postseason performances. But this version of the team is different. There’s more maturity, more accountability, and a sense of belief that extends well beyond the top line.

Goaltending, often a sore spot in previous playoff runs, has also been solidified. Stuart Skinner, the young netminder with nerves of steel, has rebounded after a rocky Game 1 to post a .923 save percentage over the last three outings. His calm demeanor and timely saves have given the Oilers the backbone they’ve long needed.

“He’s been awesome,” said Draisaitl. “When we’ve made mistakes, he’s bailed us out. That gives us the confidence to play our game aggressively and not be afraid of the moment.”

For the Oilers, Wednesday night represents more than just a chance to advance to the Western Conference Final—it’s a potential watershed moment for a franchise that hasn’t hoisted the Stanley Cup since 1990. With the likes of McDavid and Draisaitl in their prime, the window is open, and the urgency is palpable.

“Every game, every shift, every puck battle matters now,” said Hyman. “You can’t take anything for granted in the playoffs. But we believe in this group, and we believe we’ve got the right mix to go all the way.”

There’s also a quiet sense of redemption at play. Last year, Edmonton was eliminated in six games by these same Golden Knights. That defeat has served as a motivating force, and several players mentioned how much that loss still stings.

“We didn’t forget what happened last year,” said defenseman Cody Ceci. “They outplayed us when it mattered. Now it’s our turn to flip the script.”

If they succeed, it will be in large part because the Oilers have learned how to win in more than one way. They’ve shown they can trade goals with the best of them, but they’ve also proven they can grind, protect leads, and play responsible hockey when the stakes are high. It’s that versatility—and a deep belief in the room—that gives them confidence heading into Game 5.

“You can feel it,” Knoblauch said. “The guys believe. They’re playing for each other. They know what it takes, and they’re embracing the challenge.”

The final word belongs to McDavid, who remains as focused and driven as ever.

“We’ve been building toward this for a long time,” he said. “It’s time to take the next step.”

Whether that next step comes Wednesday night in Las Vegas or later in the series, one thing is clear: the Edmonton Oilers believe they are ready. With the right combinations finally in place and momentum on their side, they see Game 5 not just as an opportunity—but as a statement.